Game played with playing card and non-playing card symbols

ABSTRACT

A slot-type game provides the opportunity to receive or form combinations of winning slot symbols as well as cards forming poker card combinations. In particular, slot-type, non-playing card symbols are displayed along with playing card symbols. Winning results occur if particular combinations of slot symbols and/or playing card symbols are received. In one embodiment, winning combinations of slot symbols must be located along active paylines, while winning combinations of playing card symbols may occur anywhere in the group of symbols. A respin feature permits a player to replace one or more symbols in an additional attempt to obtain winning results.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to casino-style games in which symbols aredisplayed as part of the play of a game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Slot-type gaming machines are well-known and have been popular foryears. These games have their origin in old mechanical spinning reelgames where a player attempted to receive certain combinations ofsymbols as a result of the spin of the reels. More recently, these gameshave been implemented on video gaming machines where the symbols aregenerated and displayed on a video display.

The problem with these games is that the basic configuration of the gameis relatively simple, and the game offers little player interaction. Inorder to make these games exciting, gaming manufacturers have recentlybegun offering “themed” slot type games. For example, popular themedgaming machines currently include Playboy®, Star Wars® and others.Associating a “theme” with the game does not, however, generally changethe method of game play or the minimal player interaction offeredthereby.

A slot-type game which provides a higher level of player excitement andinteraction is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a method of playing a game and a gamingmachine configured to present a game. One embodiment of the invention isa slot-type game providing a player the opportunity to receive or formcombinations of winning slot symbols, as well as cards forming pokercard combinations. In particular, slot-type, non-playing card symbolsare displayed along with playing card symbols. Winning results occur ifparticular combinations of slot symbols and/or playing card symbols arereceived.

In accordance with one embodiment of a game, a plurality of symbols aredisplayed. Those symbols are selected from a group consisting of playingcard symbols and non-playing card symbols.

Next, it is determined if any combinations of non-playing card symbolscomprise winning combinations of non-playing card symbols. In apreferred embodiment, the symbols are displayed in association with oneor more paylines, and only combinations of non-playing card symbolsalong a payline may be declared winning combinations of non-playing cardsymbols.

It is also determined if any winning combinations of playing cardsymbols exist in the plurality of displayed symbols. In a preferredembodiment, winning combinations of playing card symbols may be declaredfor combinations of playing cards which appear or occur anywhere, i.e.are “scattered,” in the group of symbols, regardless of wether thosesymbols exist along a payline. Winning combinations of playing cards maycomprise poker card combinations, such as “a pair,” “two pair” and thelike.

A winning outcome is declared for any winning combinations ofnon-playing card or playing card symbols. In one embodiment, the game isplayed as a wagering type game and a player is awarded winnings such ascredits, points or other monetary value, or prizes.

In one embodiment, the probability of receiving non-playing card symbolsis greater than that for receiving playing card symbols.

In one embodiment, a player may be provided the opportunity to replaceone or more of the displayed symbols, such as by selection of particularsymbols to replace or by respinning one or more physical or virtualreels with which symbols are associated.

In a preferred embodiment, after an initial set of symbols is displayed,that set of symbols is evaluated to determine if any winningcombinations of slot or non-playing card symbols exist (such as winningsets of non-playing cards along active paylines). A player is thenpermitted to replace one or more of the displayed symbols, such as byrespinning one or more of the reels. The resultant set of symbols isthen evaluated to determine if any winning card symbol combinationsexist.

One embodiment of the invention is a gaming machine configured topresent a game of the invention.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention overthe prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of thedrawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming device of the type which may be used toimplement a game in accordance with the invention for play by a player;

FIG. 2 illustrates one set of symbols representing the outcome of a gamein accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates one set of symbols representing a first outcome of agame in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates one set of symbols representing a second outcome ofthe game in FIG. 3 after certain symbols from that set of symbols havebeen replaced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a method of presenting and playing a game. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It willbe apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known features have not been described in detail so asnot to obscure the invention.

In general, the invention comprises a method of playing a game in whicha plurality of symbols are displayed. The game is a “slot” type game inwhich a player attempts to receive certain combinations of slot symbols,those symbols preferably comprising non-playing card symbols. Inaddition, the game includes the opportunity for a player to receiveplaying card symbols in an attempt to form winning card combinations.

In a preferred embodiment, the game of the invention is presented to aplayer with a gaming machine. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of agaming machine 20 in accordance with the invention. As illustrated, thegaming machine 20 includes a housing 22 for enclosing/supporting variouscomponents of the gaming machine. The housing 22 have a variety ofconfigurations. In one embodiment, the housing 22 is configured to themachine has an “upright” configuration. The machine 20 might also beconfigured as a “slant”-type, “bar-top” or have other forms.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 20 is configured as a “video” typegaming machine, the machine including at least one display 24 fordisplaying game information to a player. As described below, this gameinformation may include playing card and non-playing card symbols orindicia.

The gaming machine 20 may include other means for providing informationto a player. For example, speakers (not shown) or other devices may beprovided for generating sound associated with the game. The gamingmachine 20 may also include lights, printed instructions and otherdisplays/display devices.

In one embodiment, a player must make payment in order to be entitled toplay the game. Preferably, the game is presented as a wagering typegame, and a player must place a bet or wager in order to play the gamefor the opportunity to receive winnings. Preferably, if the player is awinner of the game, the player is provided an award, such as a monetarypayout (such as coins), credits representing monetary value, points ortangible prizes. As illustrated, the gaming machine 20 may include abill validator/acceptor 26 for accepting paper currency and a coinacceptor 28 for accepting coins. Other means of payment, such as acredit card reader, may be provided. An award of winnings in the form ofcoins may be paid to the player via a coin tray 30.

Preferably, the gaming machine 20 includes means for a player to provideinput. In one embodiment, this means comprises one or more buttons. Forexample, a plurality of reel “spin” or “select” buttons 32 may beprovided for permitting a player to hold/select cards in a hand. A betone button 34 and bet max button 36 are provided for a player to selectthe amount to bet on a particular game. Other means of input may beprovided, such as a touch-screen display and other devices now known orlater developed.

A game controller (not shown) is provided for controlling the variousdevices of the gaming machine and for providing game information. Forexample, the game controller may be arranged to generate video and audiodata for presentation by the display and speakers of the gaming machine20. The game controller may be arranged to detect a signal from the coinacceptor indicating the receipt of coins or from the bill validatorregarding accepted bills and for registering credits corresponding tothose inputs, for subtracting credits for wagers placed by a player, andfor causing a coin delivery mechanism to deliver coins from a coinhopper to the coin tray 30 for payment of winnings and/or return to aplayer of unwagered credits. Preferably, the one or more player inputdevices provide an output to the gaming controller for use in play ofthe game. For example, in response to a “bet one” input by a player, thegaming controller is preferably transmitted a signal which causes thegaming controller to initiate presentation of the game.

It will be appreciated that the gaming machine 20 may have a variety ofconfigurations, and that the gaming machine 20 illustrated and describedabove is but an example of a device for implementing the game of thepresent invention. For example, in one or more embodiments, the gamingmachine 20 may be associated with a network and receive game informationremotely and may transmit information, such as payout and game playinformation, to a remote location. For example, a remote mastercontroller may generate game information which is transmitted over acommunication link to the gaming machine 20. That information may beutilized by a local controller or processor to present the game, such asby displaying game play data or information.

As indicated, in one embodiment, game information is displayed by avideo display 24 to a player. That display may be of a variety of types,including CRT, LCD, plasma and others. The gaming machine 20 may alsoinclude more than one video display.

In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, game informationwhich is presented to a player comprises simulated reels displaying gamesymbols. As indicated, these symbols may be displayed in graphicalrepresentation by the display.

In another embodiment, the gaming machine 20 may include one or morephysical reels capable of displaying symbols. In such a configuration,means are provided for rotating the physical reels. In one or moreembodiments, the means may comprise a mechanical linkage associated witha spin arm, with movement of the spin arm (a “pull”) by a user causingthe reels to spin. In such an arrangement, the reels are generallyallowed to free-wheel and then stop. In another embodiment,electronically controlled mechanisms are arranged to rotate and stopeach reel. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art.In this arrangement, actuation of the spin arm or depression a spinbutton causes a controller (not shown) to signal the activation of thespin mechanism associated with one or more of the reels. Preferably, thecontroller is arranged to either turn off the signal to the device(s)effecting the rotation of each or all of the reels or generates a signalfor activating a braking device, whereby the reels are stopped. As iswell known, the combinations of reel positions and their odds of hittingare associated with the controller, and the controller is arranged tostop the reels in a position displaying a combination of indicia asdetermined by the controller based on the combinations and odds. Theprincipal of such an arrangement is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419to Telnaes, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The gaming machine 20 may have other configurations, including otherfeatures. For example, the gaming machine 20 may include a playertracking device 38, such as a card reader and associated keypad. Suchplayer tracking devices are well known and may permit the game operatorto track play of players of the gaming machine. The tracked play may beutilized to offer player bonuses or awards.

In one embodiment, the gaming machine 20 may be configured to dispensemedia, such as printed paper tickets, which have associated value. Forexample, winnings or unused credits may be returned to the player via aprinted ticket having value or associated value. In one embodiment, thegaming machine 20 might also be configured to accept such media forproviding credit for game play. Such systems are well known and thus notdescribed in detail herein.

It will also be appreciated that the games of the invention maybepresented or played as table games, such as using card marked withplaying card and symbol information as detailed below.

In one embodiment, the games of the invention are played as wageringtype games in which a player must place a wager in order to play thegame for an opportunity of winnings. In other embodiments, the game maybe played for fun or prizes. In such event, the player may be permittedto play the game for free or may be required to make payment to play thegame.

As indicated above, a player may provide value to the gaming machine 20or machine operator in a number of ways, including with coins or bills.The player might also be permitted to provide value remotely.

Once the player provides value, the player preferably places a wager toplay the game. This may be accomplished, in one embodiment, by theplayer pressing the “bet one” button 34 or the “bet max” button 36, orby other means.

Preferably, in response to the player placing a wager, a plurality ofsymbols or indicia are displayed to the player. In one embodiment, thecontroller of the gaming machine 20 is configured to randomly select orgenerate the symbols which are to be displayed. Such methods ofgeneration/selection are well known and may include the generation ofrandom numbers which correspond to symbols which are to be displayed.

The symbols are displayed to the player. In one embodiment, display ofthe symbols is via the video display 24. As indicated above, in anotherembodiment, the display of the symbols could be by one or more physicaldevices, such as physical reels, or a combination of physical reels andvirtual reels displayed by a display.

Preferably, the outcome of the game is dependent upon the symbols whichare generated and displayed to the player. In particular, certaincombinations of symbols preferably comprise pre-determined winningcombinations of symbols. Other combinations of symbols are losingcombinations.

Most importantly, in accordance with the invention, the symbols whichare generated and displayed to the player are selected from a group ofsymbols comprising playing card symbols and non-playing card or “slot”symbols.

In a preferred embodiment, the playing card symbols comprise one or moreof the symbols 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K and A of the foursuits clubs (

), spades (

), heart (

) and diamonds (⋄). The card symbols could be selected from a group ofsymbols comprising less than all of such cards, or from a groupincluding additional or other cards, such as card values of other oradditional suits. The playing card symbols may comprisecomputer-simulated images of playing cards, may comprise playing cardsymbols, or may comprise images of actual playing cards or may compriseother information, including other types of symbols, which transmits orprovides playing card value and/or suit information.

In one embodiment, symbols comprising or representing at least one ofeach of the cards of a standard fifty-two (52) card deck of cards areused in play of the game. In another embodiment, only symbolscorresponding to a “partial” deck of cards may be used. For example, inone embodiment, only one or more of the playing cards 10, J, Q, K and Aof each of the four suits (or equivalent representations of those cards)are utilized.

The non-playing card symbols may be of a variety of types. Preferably,the non-playing card symbols comprise symbols which can be distinguishedfrom the playing card symbols as not comprising playing card symbols. Inthe embodiment illustrated, the symbols are common slot machine symbols,such as BAR, 7, Cherries and the like. In the event the gaming machine20 is themed, the non-playing card symbols maybe associated with thattheme. One again, the symbols could be computer generated, compriseimages of actual items or elements or the like.

As detailed below, the symbols could be displayed in a variety offormats or arrangements. In an embodiment of the invention where thesymbols are displayed by a video display, the symbols are preferablydisplayed in a plurality of columns similar to the manner symbols aredisplayed by physical rotatable reels in well-known slot machines. Insuch a configuration, each column may display a plurality of symbols. Inone common configuration, five (5) columns of three (3) symbols, thuscomprising a three (3) by five (5) matrix of symbols, are displayed. Thesymbols could be displayed in a variety of other configurations, such asin positions of a square matrix, a pyramid or other patterns.

An outcome of the game is determined by or from the combination ofsymbols which is generated and/or displayed. In one embodiment, one ormore combinations of symbols are declared “winning” combinations. Thosecombinations may be referred to as “predetermined winning combinations,”since it is predetermined that those combinations, if generated as aresult of game play, comprise winning combinations.

In one embodiment, it is determined if the generated symbols compriseany predetermined winning combination(s) of symbols. In a preferredembodiment, this determination is made, in at least one instance, withrespect to symbols appearing along paylines and, preferably, activepaylines.

In one embodiment, the generated symbols are displayed with reference toone or more paylines. Preferably, paylines define groups of two or moresymbol locations. In one embodiment, the symbols may be displayed in amatrix format. In such instance, the paylines may be linear ornon-linear. For example, the paylines may be common straight horizontallines, or may be vertical, diagonal, “V” or other shapes/configurations.Preferably, however, one or more symbols are displayed with reference toone or more of the paylines.

In one embodiment, the size of a player's wager determines the number ofpaylines which are activated. A minimum wager may activate one or morepaylines, while larger wagers than the minimum may activate additionalor all of the paylines. For example, there may be five (5) paylines andthe player may be permitted to place a wager of one (1) to five (5)credits. In such a configuration, one (1) payline may be activated foreach credit which is wagered. Thus, all five (5) paylines would only beactivated in the event the player wagered a five (5) credit wager.

In one embodiment, winning combinations include one or more combinationsof non-playing card symbols. Preferably, winning combinations ofnon-playing card symbols must be associated with a payline and, morepreferably, an active payline. For example, a combination of symbolscomprising all of the same symbol along an active payline may bedeclared a winning combination. One or more combinations of non-playingcard symbols may be declared winning combinations. The particularcombinations which comprise winning combinations may be determined basedupon a number of factors, including the desired house hold for the game.

In one embodiment, winning combinations also include one or morecombinations of playing card symbols. Preferably, winning combinationsof playing card symbols include any combinations of such symbols,regardless of their location. In this configuration, the playing cardsymbols which comprise a predetermined winning combination of symbolsmay be ‘scattered’ or displayed anywhere, not necessarily groups of suchsymbols only along a payline or active payline. The particularcombinations of playing card symbols which comprise winning combinationsmay vary. In one embodiment, such combinations comprise one or morecombinations of cards forming poker hands or poker card combinations.Such combinations may comprise, for example, a minimum high card, aPair, Two Pair, Three of a Kind, a Full House, a Straight, a Flush, Fourof a Kind, a Straight Flush and/or a Royal Flush, among others.

Winning combinations may also comprise additional or other combinationsof cards (including combinations which are not “traditional” pokerhands), such as straights of three or four cards, a Five of a Kind, orothers. In fact, winning combinations of cards may be based upon avariety of different criteria. For example, in one embodiment, a playermay attempt to form a Blackjack or Baccarat hand from the displayed cardindicia. A player might be rewarded, for example, for obtaining a cardvalue total of eight (8) or nine (9) in an embodiment where the cardindicia are utilized to form a Baccarat hand. A player might berewarded, for example, for obtaining a card value total of twenty (20)or twenty-one (21) in an embodiment where the card indicia are utilizedto form a Blackjack hand. In other embodiments, a “game” hand ofBaccarat or Blackjack may be dealt (such as by being generated anddisplayed at the beginning of the game) and the player may win only ifthe displayed card indicia “beats” the game hand.

In a preferred embodiment, a player is awarded winnings for winningoutcomes. As indicated above, such winnings may comprise a monetaryaward, credits, points, or tangible prizes. In one embodiment, the sizeor value of the award may vary proportionately to the probability ofreceiving a winning combination. For example, a player may be paid agreater amount of winnings for a combination of non-playing card symbolswhich is less likely to be obtained than a combination of such symbolswhich is more likely to be obtained.

One example of the play of such a game will be described with referenceto FIG. 2. As illustrated, a gaming machine is configured to display aplurality of symbols. Those symbols may comprise playing card andnon-playing card symbols. The symbols may be displayed via mechanicalreels, a video display or otherwise.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, three paylines PL1, PL2 and PL3are designated. These paylines comprise horizontal lines correspondingto rows of symbol positions. As indicated above, other paylines orpayline configurations may be utilized.

As indicated, a player may be required to place a wager of a certainsize in order to “activate” the paylines. For example, by placing aminimum wager, payline PL1 may be activated and the player may bepermitted to play the game. The player may be required to place a largerwager in order to activate the additional paylines PL2 and/or PL3.

The game symbols are generated and displayed to the player. One such setof symbols is illustrated in FIG. 2. As illustrated, the set of symbolswhich was generated and displayed comprised some playing card symbols(such as the A

, A⋄, and 10

), and non-playing card symbols such as BAR, CHERRY, 7 and WILD. In oneembodiment, the WILD symbol may be designated to comprise any symbol.

It is determined if the player received any combination of non-playingcard symbols which comprise predetermined winning combinations ofsymbols. As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, such symbolsmust lie along an active payline. Assuming the combination of symbols7-7-7-7-7 is a winning combination (as illustrated in FIG. 2, the gamingmachine may be configured to display, such as on the machine or via menufeature, what combinations of symbols comprise winning combination andthe associated winning or result associated with that combination) andthat payline PL3 is active, the player has received that winningcombination along payline PL3 (with the WILD symbol substituting as a 7symbol).

In addition, it is determined if the player received any combination ofplaying card symbols which comprise a predetermined winning combinationof symbols. As indicated, predetermined winning combinations of playingcard symbols may comprise combinations of symbols which are commonlydesignated as winning in the game of poker/video poker. As alsoindicated, in a preferred embodiment, the combination of playing cardsymbols which comprise a predetermined winning combination of symbolsmay be located anywhere, not necessarily along a payline or activepayline.

Assuming that the playing card combination a “Pair of Jacks or Better”is designated a winning combination, then in the game result indicatedin FIG. 2, the player has received a winning playing card combination.In FIG. 2, that combination comprises the playing cards A

and A⋄.

As indicated above, the player may be awarded a prize or winning forthese winning combinations.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a player may bepermitted to replace one or more of the symbols. In one embodiment, aplayer may be permitted replace one or more individual symbols or“respin” one or more reels or columns of symbols. In the case ofmechanical reels, this may actually comprise the respinning of one ormore reels. In the case of a video type game, this may simply comprisethe generation of one or more new symbols and the display of thosesymbols in replacement of other symbols.

In one embodiment, a player may obtain one or more winning results (andbe awarded winnings) for the base or main event, as well as thesecondary or bonus event or respin. In a preferred embodiment, theplayer is awarded only for winning non-playing card or slot symbols inthe first spin or display, and is only awarded for winning card symbolsafter the replacement/spin(s).

One example of this embodiment game will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 illustrates the outcome of the base or main gamein which a first set of symbols are selected and displayed, thosesymbols comprising one or more playing card and/or non-playing cardsymbols. In accordance with that main game or event, it is determined ifthe player received any winning outcomes. Preferably, this comprisesdetermining if the player received any winning non-playing card symbols.As illustrated, the player might be deemed to have received a winningcombination of non-playing card symbols, such as the combination of two(2) CHERRIES along payline PL3 or the like, depending on the particularcombinations of symbols which are designated winning combinations ofsymbols.

In accordance with this embodiment invention, the player may bepermitted to replace one or more of the symbols from the first set ofsymbols. In a configuration where symbols are arranged in groups in“reel” format, the player may be permitted to “respin” one or more ofthe reels in an attempt to receive other symbols which might form awinning combination of symbols. In a preferred embodiment, the playermay replace one or more symbols in an attempt to obtain a winning set ofcard symbols.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the original display or presentation of symbols,the player has received all but one card necessary to form a Royal Flushpoker hand. In particular, the player has received the A, K, Q and J ofDiamonds (⋄) as part of the symbols displayed in the first four reelsR1, R2, R3 and R4. As such, the player may elect to spin the last reel,R5, in attempt to obtain card necessary to form the Royal Flush, namelythe 10 of Diamonds (⋄).

In one embodiment, the player may make a selection of one or more reelsto spin (or symbols to replace) or the player may make a selection ofreels to hold (or symbols to hold), with the remaining reel(s)respinning (or symbols being replaced). As illustrated in FIG. 4, as aresult of the respin, a new set of symbols are generated and displayedat reel R5. In this case, the respin resulted in the display of thesymbol 10 of Diamonds (⋄). As a result, the player may be declared tohave received a winning card symbol combination (a Royal Flush), and maybe awarded corresponding winnings. The player may also not be requiredto replace or respin. For example, if the player received a winning setof card symbols in the original display of symbols, the player may wishto keep those card symbols as a winning combination. The player might,however, also wish to try and obtain a better set of card symbols byreplacement/respin.

In one embodiment, the game may include an “auto-hold” feature. Thisfeature may be activated by the player or may be a default setting orimplementation of the game which the player may deactivate. The“auto-hold” feature may implement an optimum play strategy, evaluatingthe reels for card symbols and making a selection of one or more of thereels to hold/spin or symbols to replace in an attempt to obtain awinning hand of card symbols. This feature has the benefit of notrequiring the player to evaluate the displayed symbols and make complexdecisions regarding the formation of winning card symbol combinations.

A variety of advantages and features of the game will now beappreciated. First, a game is provided which has the excitement of thegame of slots in which groups of symbols are displayed in attempt toobtaining winning combinations. At the same time, a card-type game ispresented where a player attempts to obtain winning combinations or setsof cards. Advantageously, in one embodiment a player is permitted toemploy a strategy to obtain winning combinations of card symbols and/ornon-playing card symbols by replacing one or more existing symbols withone or more new symbols.

A variety of configurations of the games of the invention arecontemplated. As indicated, in one embodiment, winning combinations ofnon-playing card symbols are declared only if the symbols appear along apayline, and winning combinations of card symbols are declared if thesymbols appear anywhere. The game may be configured so that playing cardsymbols must also appear along a payline to be declared winningcombinations, and/or winning combinations of non-playing card symbolsmay be declared regardless of whether the symbols appear along apayline. In one embodiment, playing card symbols are evaluated bydetermining the “best” result when considering at most one card symbolper reel. For example, if two Ace symbols appear on a single reel, thenthese symbols may not form a Pair of Aces. Instead, only one of thoseAce symbols may be used, in conjunction with the card symbols on one ormore of the other reels, to form winning or non-winning results.

As also indicated above, while in a preferred embodiment combinations ofnon-playing card symbols are evaluated after the first display andcombinations of playing card symbols are evaluated after thereplacement/respin opportunity(ies). In another embodiment, the symbolscould be evaluated for both winning playing card and non-playing cardsymbols at both times.

In one embodiment, WILD or other symbols may be utilized, those symbolshaving special meaning or import. For example, a WILD symbol may serveas any playing card symbol and/or any non-playing card symbol.

In one embodiment, symbols are displayed in columns, each column ofsymbols associated with a reel, whether the reel is actual or “virtual”in the case where the symbols are displayed via a video display. In thatconfiguration, “reels” may be spun and respun. Of course, symbols may bedisplayed and replaced in other fashions. For example, the player may bepermitted to select specific symbols for replacement, or rows or othercombinations of symbols.

Preferably, symbols are randomly selected for replacement of othersymbols in the case of a respin feature. In such event, the same symbolor a different symbol may be selected for replacement of a prior symbol.In one embodiment, symbols may be selected from a group of symbols withsymbols not being capable of re-selection or re-use during the samegame. Such a configuration is particularly applicable to the playingcard symbols. For example, if a player receives a particular playingcard symbol in a column or reel, then upon respin, that same playingcard (having already been used) may not be re-selected for re-displayduring that same game.

In one embodiment, the total number of symbols which the player ispermitted to select for replacement (such as the number of reels whichthe player may respin) may be limited. For example, a player may bepermitted to respin at most two reels, or replace at most 5 symbols. Inanother embodiment, the respin/replacement maybe done automaticallywithout player input, such as in random fashion via the controller. Itis also noted that symbols could be replaced in various ways, includingby replacement of individual symbols (such as symbols which are“touched” on a touch-screen), by spinning columns or rows of “reels” ofthe symbols, or by shifting or otherwise moving symbols.

In an embodiment where the “reels” are respun, the symbols which aredisplayed after the respin may include card and/or non-card symbols. Inother embodiments, a “respin” may result in replacement of only thedisplayed card symbols. The card symbols may be replaced with other cardsymbols or, in one embodiment, a non-card symbol. Thus, after a respin,a player may actually end up with a “worse” hand than before.

In one embodiment of the invention, the probability of receiving aplaying card symbol is less than the probability of receiving anon-playing card symbol, such that, a greater number of non-playing cardsymbols are generally displayed. For example, in the case of mechanicalreels, the ratio of non-playing card symbols to playing card symbols maybe 10 to 1. In the case of a video type implementation, symbols may beselected from a group of possible symbols. Again, the ratio of thenon-playing card to playing card symbols may be 10 to 1. Of course, inother embodiments, the probabilities of receiving such symbols may bethe same, or the probabilities of receiving playing and non-playing cardsymbols may be the same. Where game symbols are randomly selected, itmay be possible for the set of symbols to not include any playing cardsymbols (i.e. all non-playing card symbols are displayed) or non-playingcard symbols (i.e. all playing card symbols are displayed).

As described, a player may be provided with the opportunity to win boththe base game and have a second opportunity to win after replacement ofone or more symbols. In one embodiment, the outcome of the game may onlybe determined after the player has replaced the one or more symbols (inwhich case a player may only receive winnings for winning combinationsreceived after the symbol replacement, and not additionally when thesymbols are first displayed).

In one embodiment, a player may be provided one or more additionalopportunities to replace one or more symbols in addition to a firstopportunity. A player may be permitted to respin one or more reels orreplace one or more symbols after a first opportunity to respin one ormore reels or replace one or more symbols. In one embodiment, a playeris required to place an additional wager in order to be provided thisopportunity. The player may be required to place this extra wager at thebeginning of the game, before the first replacement/respin opportunity,or before each additional replacement/respin opportunity. For example,after a first respin, a player may still not have a winning set of cardsymbols. The player may place an additional wager, however, and respinone or more of the reels or otherwise replace one or more of the symbolsin a further attempt to obtain a winning set of card symbols. In anembodiment where the player is provided the opportunity for winning slotsymbols after symbol replacement, evaluation of the slot symbols may bemade after replacement.

The game may be presented in the form of a Class II type game or as partof such a game. It is known to play a Class II type game such as bingoand present the results of such a game as the outcome of a Class IIItype game. For example, based upon results of a Class II bingo game, aset of symbols as described above may be displayed to the player. Thatset of symbols may have a particular combination of winning symbolswhich corresponds to the outcome of the Class II game, thus representingthe outcome of the Class II game in the format described above.

One embodiment of the invention is a gaming machine configured topresent the game. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes acontroller and at least one display. The controller is configured togenerate game information comprising data representing playing card andnon-playing card symbols. The display is configured to display thesymbols based upon the generated data. As indicated, the controller maybe configured to receive input such as wager information and otherplayer input. The controller is also configured to determine gameresults and, if appropriate, award winnings.

In another embodiment, the gaming machine may include a controller andone or more physical reels capable of displaying the game indicia.Preferably, the controller is configured to generate game informationwhich is used to control the reels, including spinning of the reels andstopping of the reels in particular positions, such as in the mannerdescribed above in greater detail. Again, the controller may beconfigured to receive player input and award winnings.

As indicated above, the controller may be a single processing unit ordevice directly associated with the gaming machine, or may comprise oneor more elements located remote from one another. For example, a maincontroller may be configured to generate game information which isrouted to local game controllers.

The game may also be played in Internet and other distributedenvironments. For example, the game may be presented to a player at ahome computer. In one embodiment, a player may access a website which issupported by a remote host server. The host server may generate gameinformation which is transmitted to the player's computer for display.

The game of the invention may be played as a bonus event or as part ofother games, and/or itself may include bonus events. For example, in oneembodiment, the game of the invention may be played as a bonus event aspart of one or more main games. In such event, a player may not berequired to place a wager to be entitled to play the game, but mayinstead become entitled to play the game as a result of the play of abase game (which itself may require a wager in order to be played).

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatusand the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of theprinciples of this invention and many other embodiments andmodifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as defined in the claims.

1. A method of playing a game comprising the steps of: accepting awager; displaying a first plurality of symbols selected from a groupconsisting of playing card symbols and non-playing card symbols, one ormore of said symbols of said first plurality of symbols displayed alongone or more paylines; determining from said first plurality of symbolsif any combinations of non-playing card symbols along one or more ofsaid paylines comprise winning combinations of non-playing card symbols;determining from said first plurality of symbols if any winningcombinations of playing card symbols exist in said plurality ofdisplayed symbols; and declaring a winning outcome for any winningcombinations of non-playing card or playing card symbols in said firstplurality of symbols.
 2. The method in accordance with claim 1 includingthe step of awarding winnings for winning outcomes.
 3. The method inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said step of determining if winningcombinations of playing card symbols exist comprises determining if anyplaying card symbols comprise a poker hand of at least one pair orhigher value.
 4. The method in accordance with claim 1 including thestep of activating at least one payline and determining if anycombinations of non-playing card symbols along one or more activepaylines comprise winning combinations of non-playing card symbols. 5.The method in accordance with claim 4 including the step of activatingat least one payline for a minimum wager and activating a more than onepayline for a wager greater than said minimum wager.
 6. The method inaccordance with claim 1 including the steps of: accepting input from aplayer regarding one or more symbols of said first plurality of symbolsto be replaced; replacing said symbols to create a second plurality ofsymbols; determining from said second plurality of symbols if anycombinations of non-playing card symbols along one or more of saidpaylines comprise winning combinations of non-playing card symbols;determining from said second plurality of symbols if any winningcombinations of playing card symbols exist in said plurality ofdisplayed symbols; and declaring a winning outcome for any winningcombinations of non-playing card or playing card symbols in said secondplurality of symbols.
 7. The method in accordance with claim 6 includingthe step of awarding winnings for winning outcomes from said first andsecond pluralities of symbols.
 8. The method in accordance with claim 1wherein said first plurality of symbols are selected from a group ofsymbols, said group of symbols including a greater number of non-playingcard symbols than playing card symbols.
 9. The method in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said step of displaying comprises the step of rotatingone or more reels bearing symbols.
 10. The method in accordance withclaim 1 including the step of generating symbol information and whereinsaid step of displaying comprises utilizing said generated symbolinformation to display said symbols on a video display.